The search option in Outlook is a handy feature for finding important messages, texts, attachments or media from any date or specific person.
However, unlike other applications, the Outlook search bar is not free of technical issues. Many users are complaining about the missing search bar issue in the Outlook app after the update.
You are one of them, right?
Don’t worry. You can easily solve the missing Outlook search bar with a few concise methods, which I’ve shortlisted in this article. So without any further due, let’s jump in.
How to Fix Search Bar Missing in Outlook
Usually, the search bar missing issue happens if you didn’t restart your PC for quite a long time or if the update hides the search bar. Also, some data corruption in the Outlook app can cause the same issue. You can solve the issue by updating the app or adding the search option again.
This section will give you a step-by-step walkthrough for each fix to solve the issue for Outlook 2021, Outlook 365, Outlook 2019 and other versions.
Here are the fixes for the missing search bar problem in Outlook:
1. Restart Outlook Application
When you are using your device, It can’t process all the scripts in the Outlook application. So you can face the missing search bar issue. You need to exit the application hard and start again to solve the issue.
Here are the steps to restart Outlook application:
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Choose the Processes tab and right-click on Outlook.
- Select the End task option and exit the Task Manager window.
- Restart your PC and Open the Outlook app again.
After completing the steps, the Search box will reappear in the application.
Also, check out our separate post on how to fix Outlook could not create the work file in 3 minutes.
2. Repair Office Application
Outlook is a part of Microsoft Office. So if you repair MS Office, the file corruption on Outlook will go away. And you will see the search box in the application again.
Here are the steps to repair Microsoft Office using settings:
- Go to your PC Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click on the Office app from the app list.
- Choose the Modify option from the hidden menu list.
- Select Quick Repair or Online Repair as per your choice.
You can also use the Control Panel to repair Microsoft Office instead of the Settings.
Here are the steps to Repair Office using Control Panel:
- Open Control Panel from the Office.
- Choose the Large icons option from the View By menu.
- Click on the Programs and Features option.
- Select Office from the list.
- Click the Change option.
- Select Quick Repair or Online Repair as per your need.
After completing the steps, you should restart your Windows before using Outlook again. It will help the application cope with the updated settings.
Check out the easiest way to fix Outlook can’t create file error when opening attachment.
3. Manually Add Search Bar
Sometimes, the search bar can become hidden after an update. In that case, you need to add the search option in your Outlook manually.
Here are the steps to add the Search Bar manually in Outlook:
- Open the Outlook application and right-click on the Home ribbon.
- Select Customize the Ribbon in the menu.
- Click the down arrow in the Choose commands from the menu and select All tabs.
- Click on the Search option and select Add to add it.
- Click OK to save changes.
After completing the steps, you can see the search box in the main ribbon.
4. Remove Add-Ons
Sometimes, 3rd-party add-ons can corrupt the Outlook file and remove the search feature. Disabling them can fix your issue and make the search bar reappear.
Here are the steps to disable Add-Ons in Outlook:
- Open Outlook and click on the File tab.
- Select Options from the left.
- Choose the Add-ins menu and select the Go button.
- Uncheck the boxes next to all the extensions.
- Select the OK button to save.
After completing the steps, you must exit the app and open it again. Then, your search bar will reappear in your application.
Related our new guide post on how to open and use a shared mailbox in Outlook.
5. Open Outlook in Safe Mode
Most programs or apps running on your PC have a Safe Mode like the Windows operating system. It allows you to launch those applications without any 3rd party integration. And running Outlook in safe mode can make the search bar reappear.
Here is the method to open Outlook in Safe mode:
- Open Run on your PC (Shortcut: Win + R).
- Input outlook /safe in the box.
- Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
After opening Outlook in safe mode, see if the search option reappears. If your problem remains, follow the next solution.
6. Contact Microsoft Support
If any of the above solutions don’t fix your issue, you need to contact Microsoft support. From there, you can chat with a Microsoft tech specialist and describe your issue.
Check out our separate post on how to fixed Outlook: your Mailbox is over its size limit message.
FAQs
Why is your Outlook search bar missing?
Usually, the Search box in the Outlook application goes missing for two reasons; the search box becomes hidden after an update, or the search box is disabled for data corruption. Also, a lack of proper shutdown on your device can cause similar issues.
How to manually add a Search Bar in Outlook?
To add the Search bar manually in Outlook, right-click the Home ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon. From there, click the down arrow in the Choose commands from the menu, go to All tabs> Search> Add > OK.
Where is the search bar in Outlook 365?
After the 2021 update, the search bar of Outlook 365 is changed into a menu. You can’t find the search bar because of the arrival of the new Search box. You will find the Search box in the top left corner of Outlook 365.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can fix Outlook’s missing search bar issue by updating the app or adding the search option manually. If that doesn’t fix your issue, you should repair the Office app, remove the unnecessary Add-ins and open Outlook in safe mode.
After applying the fixes, I’m sure your missing Outlook search bar is resolved. Comment if you face any problems while applying the steps.
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